Rockfall man accused of displaying 'odd behavior' charged with DUI

Published 12:00 am, Saturday, June 25, 2011

MIDDLETOWN - A 30-year-old Rockfall man was arrested for driving under the influence after displaying odd behavior in front of an investigating officer.

Police stopped Jonathan Taylor, 138 Ross Road, after he passed a police cruiser on Grand Street. Officers said Taylor had crossed into oncoming traffic and had driven for about 100 feet. Taylor's vehicle was also missing a front license plate, police said.

As officers attempted to speak to Taylor, he allegedly put his lit cigarette back into the pack and it almost caught on fire. He also picked up a Red Bull energy drink from inside the car and ignored police commands to put it down. He reportedly opened the can and began drinking, finally putting it down after five requests to do so, police said.

Taylor was removed from the vehicle and finally made eye contact with police. The suspect's eyes were bloodshot and glassy, police said. His eyelids were swollen and red and he had bags under his eyes, police said. He began to fidget and pace back and forth while being questioned, police said.

As a result of Taylor's odd behavior, police believed he was under the influence of drugs. He failed two field sobriety tests and was taken into custody. The suspect refused to submit to a urine and blood test to determine if any illegal substances were in his body.

Taylor was charged with driving under the influence, failure to drive right and failure to display a valid marker plate. He was released to the custody of his mother after posting a $500 bond and is scheduled to appear in Middletown Superior Court on July 7.